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Expression of ALS1, HWP1 and SAP4 genes in Candida albicans strains isolated from women with vaginitis
1Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Total mRNA of Candida strains( isolated form whole vaginal swabs) was investigated and the in vivo expression of C. albicans secreted aspartyl proteinase (SAP4), aglutinin-like sequence (ALS1) and hyphal wall protein (HWP1) genes was determined. A spectrum of gene expression profiles of strain isolated from vulvovaginal candidiasis(VVC) cases consisting of 10 pregnant, 4 postmenopausal, and 15 reproductive age (12 primary and 3 recurrent) 9 women with different estrogen level. Expression of SAP4, ALS1 and HWP1 genes was evaluated by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction using specific primer sets. The expression of ALS1, HWP1, and SAP4 was detected as 69, 62, and 38 %, respectively, in all cases. In pregnant, postmenopausal, and reproductive age women with VVC, the expression of ALS1 was observed as 70, 75, 67%, and HWP 60, 25, 73% respectively . Expression of SAP4 was found in pregnant, postmenopausal, and reproductive age women as 40, 50, and 33% respectively. Expression of teh adhesion genes in VVC does not correlate with estrogen level of patients.
Insights
This study investigated gene expression in Candida strains from vaginal swabs. Key adhesion genes (ALS1, HWP1) and SAP4 showed varied expression in vulvovaginal candidiasis, independent of estrogen levels.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Molecular Biology
- Gynecology
Background:
- Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common infection.
- Candida albicans virulence factors, including adhesion genes, play a role in VVC pathogenesis.
- Estrogen levels can influence VVC susceptibility and potentially gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo gene expression of SAP4, ALS1, and HWP1 in Candida strains isolated from women with VVC.
- To determine if gene expression correlates with patient demographics (pregnant, postmenopausal, reproductive age) and estrogen levels.
Main Methods:
- Total mRNA was extracted from Candida strains isolated from vaginal swabs.
- Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to quantify the expression of SAP4, ALS1, and HWP1 genes.
- Gene expression profiles were analyzed across different patient groups.
Main Results:
- The expression of ALS1, HWP1, and SAP4 genes was detected in 69%, 62%, and 38% of VVC cases, respectively.
- Specific expression patterns were observed for ALS1, HWP1, and SAP4 across pregnant, postmenopausal, and reproductive age groups.
- No correlation was found between the expression of these adhesion genes and the estrogen levels of the patients.
Conclusions:
- The adhesion genes ALS1 and HWP1, along with SAP4, are expressed in vivo during VVC.
- Gene expression profiles vary among different patient groups but do not appear to be influenced by estrogen levels.
- These findings contribute to understanding Candida virulence mechanisms in VVC.
